Sports
2023 World Championships: FG Tasks AFN On Professionalism
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has called on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to uphold professionalism and ensure strict adherence to the rules governing the selection of athletes that will represent the country at the 2023 World Championships billed for Budapest, Hungary.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar made the call on Thursday even as the national trials continues in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.
The Permanent Secretary who expressed optimism that with the calibre of Members that form the AFN Board, Nigeria is sure to have the best athletes to compete at the World Championships, also advised the athletes to put in their best at the trials.
He assured that the Ministry is committed to providing equal opportunity for all athletes, both local and foreign, to compete at the trials with a view to having the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Competition.
Alhaji Ismaila stated further that the Ministry will continue to ensure full implementation of the policies and initiatives put in place by the Federal Government with a view to providing opportunities for the youth to develop their sporting talents in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), says it will shut the doors to the 2023 World Championships billed for Budapest, Hungary, against any foreign-based athlete who fails to show up for the national trials in Benin City, Edo State.
AFN Secretary General, Rita Mosindi, stated, that any foreign-based athlete who fails to show up for the national trials should consider him or herself out of the trip to Budapest.
“AFN has a policy in the selection of athletes for major competitions, including the World Championships. If you don’t come for the national trials, you won’t go to Budapest. The only condition for the AFN to consider such an athlete for the World Championship is if he or she tenders a genuine case of ill-health. In that case, our medical team has to be notified, and the board has to take a decision on it. For now, no athlete has informed me of his or her absence from the national trials.
“We have only heard rumours that some athletes would not be here for the national trials, but the rules are clear. If you don’t come, forget the ticket,” she said.
AFN’s hard stand came just as 12 USA based athletes trained at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Monday in preparation for the event, which the country will use to select its flag bearers to the World Championships.
AFN Technical Director Samuel Onikeku also informed that it is the AFN that will register athletes for the World Championships, thus calling on them to ensure participation at the trials.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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